High pressure, high flow rate peristaltic pump and tubing assembly

ABSTRACT

A tubing assembly is provided that can comprise a plurality of tubes or lumens that can be disposed within a head of a peristaltic pump. The tubing assembly can provide a flow rate or volume capacity that is generally equal to or greater than that achieved with a comparable prior art tube while operating at higher pressures than that possible using the prior art tube. Further, in accordance with some embodiments, the tubing assembly can achieve a longer working life than a comparable prior art tube, and the load on the pump motor can be reduced such that the pump life is increased and/or a larger pump motor is not required to achieve such advantageous results.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Inventions

The present inventions relate to tubing assemblies, and morespecifically to tubing assemblies for use with peristaltic pumps.

Description of the Related Art

A peristaltic roller pump typically has two or more rollers, but mayhave other configurations. The rollers are generally spacedcircumferentially evenly apart and are mounted on a rotating carrierthat moves the rollers in a circle. A length of flexible tubing may beplaced between the rollers and a semi-circular wall. In medical and labapplications, the tubing can be a relatively soft and pliable rubbertubing. For relatively high-pressure industrial applications, however,the tubing can be exceedingly durable and rigid, albeit flexible underthe high pressure of the rollers.

In use, the rollers rotate in a circular movement and compress thetubing against the wall, squeezing the fluid through the tubing ahead ofthe rollers. The rollers are configured to almost completely occlude thetubing, and operate essentially as a positive displacement pump, eachpassage of a roller through the semicircle pumps the entire volume ofthe fluid contained in the tubing segment between the rollers.

As a positive displacement pump, relatively high positive pressures canbe generated at the pump outlet. Peristaltic roller pumps are typicallydriven by a constant speed motor that draws fluid at a substantiallyconstant rate.

SUMMARY

The present inventions relate to pumps and tubing assemblies that areconfigured to pump fluids at high pressures and high flow rates. Moreparticularly, the tubing assemblies can comprise multiple small diametertubes that replace the traditional single large diameter hose inperistaltic pumps. In particular, embodiments disclosed herein canenable pumping against high pressures while providing a high flow rate,increased tube life, increased drive efficiency, lower replacement cost,lower energy consumption, cooler operating temperatures, and reducedoperating and maintenance costs. All of these advantages are achievedwhile implementing designs that contrast with the traditional industrystandard and knowledge.

In many facilities, typical water pressures can range from 60 to 85 PSI.Most municipalities prefer chemical pumps that can exceed systempressure by at least 20%. Some traditional peristaltic “tube” pumps(which use a single conduit having a diameter of less than 1 inch,referred to as a “tube”) meet the requirements of some water treatmentfacilities that have small to medium chemical injection demands.However, system pressures and chemical flow rates often exceed thecapabilities of existing peristaltic “tube” pumps. Consequently,operators must use larger peristaltic “hose” pumps (which, in contrastto peristaltic “tube” pumps, use a single conduit with a diameter of atleast 1 inch or more, referred to as a “hose” because it is larger thana “tube”). Peristaltic hose pumps are considerably more expensive tooperate (often three times more) because they use large, high-torque,high-horsepower AC drives.

Although peristaltic pumps have gained widespread popularity, theeffectiveness of current peristaltic pumps is severely limited by thedesign of the tube or hose. The present Applicants spent considerabletime and resources researching and redesigning large tubes and hoses foruse in high pressure, high flow rate applications. The general rule inindustry has always been that the larger diameter of the tube or hose,the higher the pump flow rate (or output). Further, high-pressureindustrial peristaltic pumps typically require durable, stiff tubing inorder to withstand high pressures. However, using a large diameter tubeor hose at high pressure also requires a larger wall thickness in orderto withstand the high pressure and avoid “ballooning.” Tubing in aperistaltic pump tends to expand or balloon at the outlet side wheresystem pressure is exerted, and the effects of the ballooning andrelaxing of the tubing can build up over time. As the tube sizeincreases in diameter (in order to increase flow rate), the ballooningeffect becomes more prevalent. In order to overcome the ballooningproblem, the wall thickness of the tubing must be increased, which inturn, causes more resistance to the pumping unit, adding more load tothe pump drive unit. These challenges only increase as the requiredoperating pressure is increased. Accordingly, the industry solutionprior to the development of the present inventions was to provide a pumpwith a very powerful motor that can rotate the rollers over a singlelarge diameter, large wall thickness, stiff tube or hose and deliverfluid at high pressures.

In contrast to prior art techniques and applications, some embodimentsdisclosed herein reflect the realization that instead of using a singlelarge diameter, large wall thickness, stiff tube or hose in aperistaltic pump, high pressures and high flow rates can be achievedwith a peristaltic tube pump that uses a system of two or more tubes inwhich each tube has a smaller diameter and a specific relationshipbetween tube wall thickness and tube durometer. As a result, the pumpmotor can be much smaller and more efficient than the traditionalcounterpart peristaltic hose pump that uses a large, stiff tube with alarge wall thickness. Moreover, some embodiments are capable of pumpingat high pressures and high flow rates while also resulting in increasedtube life, increased drive efficiency, lower replacement cost, lowerenergy consumption, cooler operating temperatures, and reduced operatingand maintenance costs. Further, embodiments disclosed herein can deliverfluid at pressures and flow rates that well exceed industry demands. Forexample, some embodiments can deliver fluid at pressures at or wellabove 100 PSI while achieving the industry-required flow rates.

Accordingly, some embodiments reflect realizations that in contrast toprior art peristaltic pumps and systems that use a single larger, stifftube, a peristaltic pump and system using multiple smaller tubes canhandle higher pressures, have a longer tube life than a single largertube, have better memory retention than a single larger tube, and bemore energy efficient than a single larger tube. Thus, while theindustry has sought to increase fluid output by increasing the size ofthe tube and increasing the RPM of the motor, some embodiments disclosedherein reflect a contrary view and achieve superior results by usingmultiple tubes with smaller diameters.

For example, some embodiments disclosed herein reflect the realizationthat due to the continual cycles of compression and relaxation producedby each pass of the rotating cam, larger diameter tubes (hoses) flattenout sooner, causing a lower flow rate after a short amount of time. Someembodiments disclosed herein also reflect the realization that theballooning effect can be minimized by using smaller tubes, and that apump can generally overcome this phenomenon without challenges.Furthermore, some embodiments reflect the realization that smaller tubestend to retain original memory for an extended amount of time (muchlonger than a larger diameter tube), resulting in higher accuracy andlonger tube life. Moreover, some embodiments reflect the realizationthat unlike traditional small diameter tubing (which has not been usedin high-pressure applications and have a low pressure rating),embodiments can be provided in which a small diameter tube has a desiredtube wall thickness and/or desired tube durometer, and/or a desiredratio of tube wall thickness to tube durometer.

Further, some embodiments disclosed herein reflect the realization thatthere are various potential hazards associated with running aperistaltic pump with large diameter tubing (hose). For example, asnoted above, having a large wall thickness to achieve high pressures cancause additional load to the pump drive. Tube diameter expansion(ballooning) can occur on pressure side of pump, which can requireadditional pump drive load to overcome tube diameter expansion(ballooning) and may result in early tube rupture. In pumps having aglycerin-filled pump head (which is used to reduce friction and heat),tube rupture can cause glycerin to enter the fluid path and contaminatethe system.

Therefore, in accordance with an embodiment, a tubing assembly isprovided that can comprise an elongate body. The elongate body candefine a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The elongatebody can have two or more lumens extending along the longitudinal axis.Each lumen can be surrounded by a tube wall. The lumens can be formedwith the tube wall as a monolithic assembly. However, the lumens canalso be formed separately from each other with separate tube walls. Theplurality of lumens can extend from the first end to the second end suchthat the first end is in fluid communication with the second end of theelongate body. The first end of the elongate body can be coupled with afirst tubing connector of the peristaltic pump. The second end of theelongate body can be coupled with a second tubing connector of theperistaltic pump. Further, the tubing assembly can be inserted into apump head of the peristaltic pump such that a rotor of the peristalticpump can operate against the tubing assembly for pumping fluid throughthe tubing assembly.

The tubing assembly can be configured such that the tubing assemblycomprises two or more lumens or tubes. The tubing assembly can also beconfigured such that the tubing assembly comprises three or more lumensor tubes. Additionally, the tubing assembly can be configured such thatthe tubing assembly comprises a pair of lumens or tubes that are fusedtogether. Furthermore, the tubing assembly can be configured such thatthe tubing assembly comprises three tubes that are fused together.Moreover, the tubing assembly can be configured such that the tubingassembly comprises a plurality of tubes that are interconnected by acoupling. For example, the coupling can extend between a given pair oftubes of the plurality of tubes.

Additionally, some embodiments can provide for a tubing assembly for aperistaltic pump that comprises an elongate body. The elongate body candefine a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The elongatebody can have a plurality of tubes extending along the longitudinalaxis. Each tube can define an inside diameter and be surrounded by atube wall defining a wall thickness. A ratio of the inside diameter ofthe tubes to the wall thickness can be within a range of about 0.25 toabout 0.45. Each of the plurality of tubes of the elongate body candefine a durometer within a range of about 70 to about 90. The pluralityof tubes can extend from the first end to the second end such that thefirst end is in fluid communication with the second end of the elongatebody. Further, the tubing assembly can be positionable relative to theperistaltic pump to be operated against for pumping fluid through thetubing assembly.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the inside diameter of the tubes tothe wall thickness can be about 0.30. Further, the ratio of the insidediameter of the tubes to the wall thickness can also be about 0.45. Thedurometer of each of the plurality of tubes can be about 80.Furthermore, the inside diameter of the tubes can be between about ¾″ toabout 1″. The assembly can comprise a plurality of tubes, and in someembodiments, can comprise a pair of tubes.

In accordance with some embodiments, a tubing assembly can be providedfor a peristaltic pump which comprises a pair of tubes that can beinterconnected along their longitudinal extent. The tubes can eachdefine an inside diameter and be surrounded by a tube wall defining awall thickness. The pair of tubes of the tubing assembly can bepositionable in a pump head of the peristaltic pump to be operatedagainst for pumping fluid through the tubing assembly. Further, a ratioof the inside diameter of the tubes to the wall thickness can be withina range of about 0.30 to about 0.45. Furthermore, the tubes can define adurometer within a range of about 70 to about 90. However, the durometerof each of the plurality of tubes can also be about 80. In someembodiments, the inside diameter of the tubes can be between about ¾″ toabout 1″.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of illustrative embodiments of the inventions aredescribed below with reference to the drawings. The illustratedembodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, theinventions. The drawings contain the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art peristaltic pump.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of tubing of the prior art peristalticpump shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tubing assembly, according to anembodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a tubing assembly, according toanother embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates the interaction of rollers in a peristaltic pump headwhen operating against prior art tubing.

FIG. 6 illustrates the interaction of rollers in a peristaltic pump headwhen operating against a tubing assembly according to an embodimentdisclosed herein.

FIGS. 7-14 illustrate cross-sectional views of various tubingassemblies, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates a tubing assembly and connectors for a peristalticpump, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a peristaltic pump having a tubing assembly formedin accordance with the principles disclosed herein, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a peristaltic pump and tubing assembly in accordancewith an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present description sets forth specific details of variousembodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrativeonly and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore,various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto,which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are alsoencompassed by the general concepts described herein.

As noted above, embodiments of the present inventions can overcomeseveral prior art deficiencies and provide advantageous results. Someembodiments provide for a peristaltic pump that can operate at highpressures while maintaining a high flow rate. Some embodiments thereforeallow the peristaltic pump to operate effectively at higher pressuresand flow rates without requiring that the pump have a larger motor.Further, some embodiments can comprise a tubing assembly that canoperate at high pressures and flow rates without requiring a larger wallthickness. Furthermore, some embodiments can comprise a tubing assemblythat utilizes multiple lumens that are acted upon by one or more rollersto achieve a high flow rate at high pumping pressures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art peristaltic pump 10 that uses a singletube 20, which is shown in cross-section in FIG. 2. As discussed above,one of the problems associated with a single tube arrangement in aperistaltic pump is that the pressure and flow rate are limited. Forexample, if the pressure is to be increased, the wall thickness of thetubing must also be increased, which creates additional stress on thepump drive. Further, if the flow rate is to be increased, the innerdiameter of the tubing and/or the roller RPM must also be increased,which can result in shorter tubing life and higher stress on the pumpdrive. Therefore, in order to increase both the pressure and flow rate,the tubing life is generally decreased while tubing failure and pumpstress is increased. Therefore, at least one of the embodimentsdisclosed herein reflects that an increased pressure and/or flow ratehas only been possible by sacrificing tubing life or increasing the sizeof the motor of the peristaltic pump.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate embodiments of a tubing assembly fabricated inaccordance with principles of the inventions disclosed herein. Forexample, FIG. 3 illustrates a tubing assembly 30 having a pair of lumens32. FIG. 4 similarly illustrates a tubing assembly 50 having a pluralityof lumens 52. Further, the tubing assembly can be configured to comprisefour or more lumens.

The lumens of tubing assembly can extend along a longitudinal directionof the tubing assembly. In this regard, the tubing assembly can comprisea first end and a second end. The lumens of the tube assembly can extendintermediate the first end and the second end such that the first endand the second end are in fluid communication with each other.

Further, each of the lumens can be surrounded by a wall structure. Insome embodiments, the lumens can be surrounded by a wall structurehaving a generally constant thickness. In other embodiments, the lumenscan be surrounded by a wall structure having a variable thickness.However, in some embodiments, the wall thickness and inner diameter ofthe tube can be generally constant along the length of the tube.

Some embodiments reflect the realization that high pressures and highflow rates can be achieved in a peristaltic tube pump by using a systemof one, two, or more small tubes. In some embodiments, multiple tubescan be used to replace a single tube in order to allow for pumpinghigher volumes at higher pressures. The tubes in such an arrangement caneach be uniquely configured to provide desired strength and durometercharacteristics. Through substantial testing and analysis, theApplicants have discovered excellent pressure, tube life, and flowcharacteristics using the measurements, ranges, and tubingcharacteristics disclosed herein.

For example, in some embodiments, the inside diameter of a tube can bewithin a range of at least about 1/16″ (1.59 mm) and/or less than orequal to about 3″ (76.2 mm). The inside diameter of a tube in someembodiments can be at least about ⅛″ (3.18 mm) and/or less than or equalto about 1.5″ (25.4 mm). Further, in some embodiments, the insidediameter of a tube can be at least about ½″ (12.7 mm) and/or less thanor equal to about 1″ (25.4 mm). For some larger capacity applications,the inside diameter of a tube can be about ¾″ (19.1 mm). For somesmaller capacity applications, the inside diameter of a tube can beabout ⅜″ (9.5 mm). Two or more tubes can be used together in a tubingapplication. Thus, a tubing assembly can be provided in which two ormore tubes having an inside diameter within the ranges or at thedimensions listed above.

Further, embodiments are provided in which the tube wall thickness iswithin a range of at least about 1/32″ (0.80 mm) and/or less than orequal to about 1″ (25.4 mm). In some embodiments, the tube wallthickness can be within a range of at least about 1/16″ (1.59 mm) and/orless than or equal to about ½″ (12.7 mm). In some embodiments, the tubewall thickness can be within a range of at least about ⅛″ (3.18 mm)and/or less than or equal to about 5/16″ (7.94 mm). In some largerapplications, the tube wall thickness can be about 9/32″ (7.14 mm). Insmaller applications, the tube wall thickness can be about 3/16″ (4.76mm).

Additionally, some embodiments reflect the realization that highpressures and high flow rates can be achieved in a peristaltic tube pumpby using a system of one, two, or more tubes in which each tube has aspecific relationship between the inner diameter, tube wall thickness,and/or the durometer of the tube. In embodiments using more than onetube, the tubes can be identical. However, the tubes can have differentdimensions; for example, the tubes can vary in inner diameter, tube wallthickness, and/or tube durometer. Additionally, as the tube wallthickness increases, the horsepower of the motor must also increase.

In some embodiments, the tube can be configured to have a ratio of tubewall thickness to tubing inner diameter of at least about 20% (0.2:1)and/or less than or equal to about 125% (1.25:1). In some embodiments,the ratio of the tube wall thickness to the inside diameter of a tubecan be at least about 20% (0.2:1) and/or less than or equal to about 60%(0.6:1). In some embodiments, the tube can be configured to have a ratioof tube wall thickness to tubing inner diameter of at least about 25%(0.25:1) and/or less than or equal to about 50% (0.50:1). In someembodiments, the ratio of the tube wall thickness to the inside diameterof a tube can be at least about 25% (0.25:1) and/or less than or equalto about 45% (0.45:1). Further, in some embodiments, the ratio of thetube wall thickness to the inside diameter of a tube can be at leastabout 27% (0.27:1) and/or less than or equal to about 43% (0.43:1). Ithas been found in some embodiments that excellent pumping qualities andresults are achieved when the ratio of tube wall thickness to the insidediameter of a tube is about 28% (0.28:1).

For example, in some embodiments, the inside diameter of a tube can beat least about 1/16″ (1.59 mm) and/or less than or equal to about 2″(50.8 mm), and the tube wall thickness of the tube can be at least about1/32″ (0.80 mm) and/or less than or equal to about ⅝″ (15.9 mm).Further, in some embodiments, the inside diameter of a tube can be atleast about ⅜″ (9.53 mm) and/or less than or equal to about 1.5″ (38.1mm), and the tube wall thickness of the tube can be at least about ⅛″(3.175 mm) and/or less than or equal to about ½″ (12.7 mm). In somelarger applications, the inside diameter of a tube can be about 1″ (25.4mm), and the tube wall thickness of the tube can be about 5/16″ (7.94mm). In other applications, the inside diameter of a tube can be about¾″ (19.1 mm), and the tube wall thickness of the tube can be about 7/32″(5.56 mm). One, two, three, four, or more tubes having such dimensionscan be used in a peristaltic tube pump.

In some embodiments, the durometer of a tube can be within the Shore Ahardness, within a range of at least about 70 and/or less than or equalto about 90. In some embodiments, the durometer of a tube can be atleast about 75 and/or less than or equal to about 90. Further, thedurometer of a tube can be at least about 80 and/or less than or equalto about 90. The durometer of a tube can be at least about 83 and/orless than or equal to about 90. Furthermore, the durometer of a tube canbe at least about 85 and/or less than or equal to about 89. Durometervalues within the above-noted ranges can be implemented for a tubehaving an inner diameter and/or thickness within any of the above-notedranges for those parameters. For example, a tube can have insidediameter of at least about 1/16″ (1.59 mm) and/or less than or equal toabout ½″ (12.7 mm), a tube wall thickness of at least about 3/32″ (2.38mm) and/or less than or equal to about 3/16″ (4.76 mm), and a durometerof at least about 75 and/or less than or equal to about 90.

In their studies, Applicants have found excellent test results whencomparing multi-tube tubing assemblies to single tube tubing assemblieshaving approximately equivalent flow rates. In particular, when comparedto similar single tube tubing assemblies, multi-tube tubing assembliesprovide a much higher tube life before tube failure and experienceminimal variance or drop-off in flow rate during the life of the tube.

For example, Applicants have discovered that a dual tubing assemblyhaving tubes with a ⅜″ inside diameter, a durometer of 80, and a tubewall thickness of between about 0.095″ to about 0.10″, tested with waterat 30 PSI and 125 RPM, resulted in tube life of 1072 hours untilfailure. At these dimensions, the ratios of the wall thickness to theinside diameter is about 26%. Further, at 30 PSI and 125 RPM, the dualtubing assembly had a flow rate drop of only 1.25% over the life of thetube (indicative of superior tubing memory characteristics). Inparticular, the flow rate at start-up was about 7580 ml/min and the flowrate about 24 hours prior to tube failure was 7485 ml/min.

In contrast, a single ½″ inside diameter tube and a tube wall thicknessof about 0.125″, was tested with water at 30 PSI and 125 RPM andresulted in a tube life of only 344 hours until failure. Further, at 30PSI and 125 RPM, the single tube had a flow rate drop of 21.4% over thelife of the tube (indicative of poor tube memory characteristics). Inparticular, the flow rate at start-up was about 6900 ml/min and the flowrate about 24 hours prior to tube failure was about 5420 ml/min.

In further contrast, a single ¾″ inside diameter tube and a tube wallthickness of about 0.125″, was tested with water at 30 PSI and 125 RPMand resulted in a tube life of only 270 hours until failure. Further, at30 PSI and 125 RPM, the single tube had a flow rate drop of 19.1% overthe life of the tube (indicative of poor tube memory characteristics).In particular, the flow rate at start-up was about 9043 ml/min and theflow rate about 24 hours prior to tube failure was about 7316 ml/min.

Accordingly, based on these results, embodiments of a multi-tube tubingassembly can provide far superior tube life and maintain higher flowrates with minimal flow rate reduction over the life of the tubingassembly when compared with a single, larger inside diameter tube thatprovides approximately the same flow rate as the multi-tube tubingassembly. In this regard, a tubing assembly of two ⅜″ inside diametertubes would provide higher tube life and lower variance than acomparable 9/16″ inside diameter single tube assembly. Further, otherbenefits are achieved including decreased loads that enable the use of asmaller pump, easier handling, and increased longevity and efficiency inan operation. Applicants also note that in the field of high pressure,high flow rate pumping, the loss of viable tube life and decrease inflow rate are longstanding problems with single tube designs and havebeen unresolved until the introduction of embodiments disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, Applicants have also found that the use of amulti-tube tubing assembly achieves higher flow rates than single tubeassemblies due to an increased tubing length. For example, a ⅜″ insidediameter dual tube assembly can have a 18 ⅛″ length as compared to a ½″inside diameter or ¾″ diameter single tube assembly that has a 17 ¾″length. The 18 ⅛″ length of tubing advantageously provides improved flowrates as opposed to the 17 ¾″ length. Accordingly, some multi-tubeembodiments can provide additional advantages over single tubeassemblies.

A desirable ratio of tube wall thickness to the tube durometer canbeneficially enable the tubing to have an optimal size and performance.Some embodiments can be configured such that the wall thickness of thetube can be inversely related the durometer of the tube. The thicknessand durometer can be modified to provide various benefits, such asenabling the use of a pump motor that is much smaller and more efficientthan the traditional counterpart pump required for a peristaltic hosepump. Moreover, some embodiments are capable of pumping at highpressures (exceeding 100 to 125 PSI) and high flow rates while alsoresulting in increased tube life, increased drive efficiency, lowerreplacement cost, lower energy consumption, cooler operatingtemperatures, reduced operating and maintenance costs, and reducedshipping costs.

The lumens of the tubing assembly can also be coupled or joined withinthe tubing assembly using a variety of manufacturing techniques. In someembodiments, the tubing assembly can be extruded and therefore comprisea monolithic part. Some embodiments can comprise two or more separateparts. For example, some embodiments can be configured such that thetubing assembly 30 comprises one or more tubes that are fused togetherat a joint. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Additionally,some embodiments can be configured such that the tubing assemblycomprises a plurality of tubes that are coupled to each other via anintermediate coupling or attachment portion.

Moreover, some embodiments can be configured to comprise a plurality ofindividual tubes. For example, a plurality of individual tubes can bedisposed side-by-side within the pump head or cavity of the peristalticpump.

In addition, when the tubing assemblies of 30, 50 are compared to thetubing assembly 20, the volume capacity of the tubing assemblies 30, 50can be the same as the tubing assembly 20. For example, the flow area orcross-sectional area as defined by the inner diameter of the lumens ofthe tubing assemblies 30, 50 can be equal to the flow area orcross-sectional area as defined by the inner diameter of the lumen ofthe tubing assembly 20. Other advantages may also be present whichenable the volume capacity of the tubing assemblies to be equivalent aswell.

For example, the rotations per minute (RPM) or drive speed of the rollerassembly may be higher when the tubing assemblies 30, 50 are usedbecause of the lower rolling resistance and loading on the pump motor.Thus, it is possible to use tubing assemblies having a flow area that issmaller than a comparable prior art tube while maintaining a commonvolume capacity or flow rate. Indeed, the volume capacity or flow rateof a given embodiment can be greater than the volume capacity or flowrate of a prior art tube that has a larger flow area than that of thegiven embodiment. An additional benefit of embodiments disclosed hereinis that the volume capacity or flow rate of an embodiment can be equalto the volume capacity or flow rate of a prior art tube while reducingthe load on the pump motor. In this manner, embodiments disclosed hereincan advantageously increase tubing life and pump motor life.

FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art peristaltic pump 100 in which the tubing102 is a larger size in order to provide for a higher flow rate. Therollers of the peristaltic pump operate against the tubing 102 andcreate a large depression in the tubing 102 as the tubing 102 iscompressed against the interior wall of the pump head or pump cavity. Asa result, the rollers encounter greater resistance and overall, theperistaltic pump is subjected to high loads with the tubing 102 beingcompressed and deformed against the roller.

Additionally, as the pump 100 operates at high pressures, the tubing 102can be subject to significant internal pressures which can result inballooning and/or rupture of the tubing 102. This unfortunate result isdue at least in part to the wall thickness of the tubing 102 and theinner diameter of the tubing 102. Therefore, if the wall thickness ofthe tubing 102 is not increased, the tubing 102 may be subject tofailure at high pressures. However, if the wall thickness of the tubing102 is increased, the rollers of the pump will encounter a greaterresistance in compressing the tubing 102 and therefore result in anincreased load for the peristaltic pump 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a peristaltic pump 120 and tubing 122 formed inaccordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. Although shown in sideview, the tubing 122 comprises a plurality of lumens, similar to one ofthe embodiments illustrated above in FIGS. 3-4. As will be discussedfurther herein, the tubing 122 can also be representative of anotherembodiment, such as one of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7-14.

As shown, the tubing 122 is comparatively much smaller in outer diameterthan the tubing 102 illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, the tubing 122 can beconfigured to provide an appropriate wall thickness to inner diameterratio while having a compression radius that is much smaller than thecompression radius of the tubing 102. A “compression radius” can beconsidered as the amount of radial deflection of the tubing as measuredrelative to the axis of rotation of the roller assembly of the pump. Thecompression radius of the tubing 102 is illustrated as being much lessthan the compression radius of the tubing 122. Such a factor is relevantin computing rolling resistance of the roller assembly of the pump,which relates to the load on the pump in order to cause rotation of theroller assembly. Accordingly, when compared with the pump 100 and thetubing 102, the rollers of the peristaltic pump 120 will generallyundergo a lower degree of rolling resistance while compressing againstthe tubing 122, thus decreasing the load on the pump 120.

FIGS. 7-14 illustrate various embodiments of tubing assemblies formed inaccordance with the principles and teachings herein. FIG. 7 illustratesa tubing assembly 200 similar to the tubing assembly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates a tubing assembly 220 having a plurality of lumens222 through which fluid can pass. The tubing assembly 220 of FIG. 8 canbe configured such that the lumens 222 are spaced apart from each otherby a void, hollow portion, or lumen. The lumens 222 can each be disposedin a tube that is separated from an adjacent to by the void or lumen.The tubes can be interconnected via one or more couplings or attachmentportions 224. The couplings or attachment portions 224 can extend alongthe entire length of the tubing assembly 220. Alternatively, thecouplings or attachment portions 224 can have a longitudinal length thatis less than the longitudinal length of the tubing assembly 220. In suchan embodiment, the couplings or attachment portions 224 can be disposedat a plurality of longitudinal positions along the length of the tubingassembly 220.

Further, the couplings or attachment portions 224 can be separate fromand later attached to the tubes or formed monolithically with the tubesin an extrusion process. For example, the middle tube of the tubingassembly 220 can be formed monolithically with the couplings orattachment portions 224 such that the overall thickness or width of thetubing assembly 220 as measured at the middle tube thereof does notexceed the outer diameter of the middle tube thereof.

Furthermore, the couplings or attachment portions 224 can extendgenerally tangentially relative to the tubes of the tubing assembly soas to connect upper and lower points of the tubes to each other. Thedimension and the coupling of the couplings or attachment portions 224can therefore be accomplished along the entire length of the assembly,along only a portion of the length of the tubing assembly, at one ormore locations or positions along the tubing assembly, and/or integratedwith one or more tubes of the tubing assembly. In this manner, thetubing assembly can therefore be configured generally in the shape of aribbon of tubes.

FIG. 9 illustrates a tubing assembly 240 having a plurality of tubesdefining interior lumens. The tubes of the tubing assembly 240 can becoupled to each other by one or more couplings or attachment portionsthat extend intermediate the tubes. In particular, FIG. 9 illustratesthat a single length of a coupling or attachment portion extends betweena given pair of tubes. As noted above, the longitudinal dimension orlength of the couplings or attachment portions can be equal to thelongitudinal length of the tubing assembly or less than a longitudinallength of the tubing assembly. Further, in some embodiments, thecouplings or attachment portions can be disposed at one or morepositions along the length of the tubing assembly.

FIG. 10 illustrates a tubing assembly 260 comprising a plurality oftubes that each defines an interior lumen. In this embodiment, the tubescan be generally unconstrained or detached from each other. Inparticular, the tubing assembly can be devoid of any interconnectionsbetween the tubes. As such, the tubes can flex during compressionwithout being physically constrained relative to each other.

As discussed above, each of the tubes of a tubing assembly can define awall thickness. The wall thickness of a given tube can be different fromthe wall thickness of another tube of the tubing assembly. For example,one or more of the tubes of a tubing assembly can have an innerdiameter, outer diameter, and/or wall thickness that is different fromanother of the tubes of the tubing assembly.

In addition, in embodiments that utilize a coupling or attachmentportion, the ratio of the thicknesses of the coupling or attachmentportion relative to the wall of the tube can be at least about 1:1and/or less than or equal to about 1:3. In some embodiments, the ratioof the thicknesses can be about 1:2.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate two-tube embodiments corresponding to thethree-tube embodiments illustrated and discussed above in FIGS. 7-10. Asshown, the embodiments in FIGS. 11-14 include a pair of tubes or lumensinstead of three tubes or lumens. Nevertheless, the principles andfeatures discussed above with respect to the tubing assemblies 200, 220,240, 260 shown in FIGS. 7-10 can also be applied to the embodiments ofthe tubing assemblies 270, 272, 274, and 276 shown in FIGS. 11-14.Accordingly, the above discussion is incorporated herein with respect toFIGS. 11-14, but will not be repeated. In accordance with theembodiments disclosed herein, a high flow rate can be obtained at highpressure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a tubing assembly 400 that can be coupled with firstand second tubing connectors 402, 404. Once the tubing assembly 400 iscoupled to the first and second tubing connectors 402, 404, the tubingassembly 400 can be installed into a peristaltic pump. Although thetubing assembly 400 is illustrated as comprising three lumens or tubes,the assembly 400 can comprise two, four, or more lumens or tubes.Further, the assembly 400 illustrates the use of a single inlet and asingle outlet. Thus, in some embodiments, a single inlet and singlefluid source can be split into a plurality of lumens or tubes in atubing assembly, pumped through the pump head, and then rejoined througha single outlet. However, as shown in subsequent FIGS. 16-17 below,multiple pump sources can be used to feed lumens or tubes of a tubingassembly.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate peristaltic pumps that utilize a tubing assemblyaccording to an embodiment disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 16, theperistaltic pump 450 can be retrofitted with a tubing assembly 452 ofone of the embodiments disclosed herein without modifying the pump heador rollers. Thus, existing peristaltic pumps can beneficially useembodiments of the tubing assembly disclosed herein. However, theperistaltic pump can also be modified such that the pump cavity isdeeper or wider in order to receive an embodiment of the tubingassembly's disclosed herein.

The tubing assembly of embodiments disclosed herein can comprise aplurality of lumens or tubes that are operatively connected to one ormore fluid inlets and one or more fluid outlets. In this regard, asshown in FIG. 15, a plurality of tubes or lumens can be operativelyconnected to a single inlet and a single outlet. However, in someembodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 17, a peristaltic pump 500 canoperate on a tubing assembly 510 in which an inlet of one or more of thetubes or lumens of the tubing assembly 510 is coupled to a first fluidsource 520 and an inlet of another one or more tubes or lumens of thetubing assembly 510 is coupled to a second fluid source 522. Thus, thetubing assembly 510 can operate with one or more working fluids passingthrough one or more tubes or lumens thereof. The multiple fluid sourcescan be joined to a single outlet; however, multiple outlets can also beused that correspond to the multiple inlets and the fluids can bemaintained separate.

Embodiments of the tubing assemblies disclosed herein can be fabricatedusing a variety of materials, such as polymer materials, rubber,polyurethane, neoprene, tygothane, and others. Further, the tubingassemblies can be fabricated as a composite of multiple materials, ormonolithically or uniformly using a single material.

Although embodiments of these inventions have been disclosed in thecontext of certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that the present inventions extend beyond the specificallydisclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses ofthe inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Inaddition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown anddescribed in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope ofthese inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the artbased upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that variouscombinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects ofthe embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of theinventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for oneanother in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tubing assembly for a peristaltic pump, thetubing assembly comprising: an elongate body defining a longitudinalaxis, a first end, and a second end, the elongate body having aplurality of lumens extending along the longitudinal axis, each lumenbeing surrounded by a tube wall, the plurality of lumens extending fromthe first end to the second end such that the first end is in fluidcommunication with the second end of the elongate body, the first end ofthe elongate body being configured to be coupled with a first tubingconnector of the peristaltic pump, the second end of the elongate bodybeing configured to be coupled with a second tubing connector of theperistaltic pump; wherein the tubing assembly is configured to beinserted into a pump head of the peristaltic pump such that a rotor ofthe peristaltic pump can operate against the tubing assembly for pumpingfluid through the tubing assembly.